Opel OPC and Vauxhal VXR Models Will Live On, Probably With Electrification

PSA won’t kill the Opel and Vauxhall performance-oriented models, but will update them in the future with a focus on improving CO2 emissions.

According to CarBuyer, who cites a Vauxhall spokesperson, the OPC/VXR models will live on, most likely with some sort of electrification.

“VXR will survive”, said the Vauxhall official, adding that these cars could make do “without six or eight cylinders and a turbocharger or two. It’ll need more efficient power sources.” This is a reference to electrification, but don’t expect a full-blown battery-electric Vauxhall VXR or Opel OPC anytime soon, but rather a (mild or full-on) hybrid or a plug-in powertrain.

In the meantime, Vauxhall continues to offer the Corsa and Astra GTC in VXR flavor in the UK. The former starts from £20,185 ($27,320), and the latter will set you back for at least £30,830 ($41,728).

Opel, on the other hand, has a more limited range which only includes the Astra GTC OPC. It has a starting price of €36,360 ($43,230), which is €14,610 ($17,370) more than the base three-door model.

Additionally, there’s an ‘S’ variant of the Opel Corsa, equipped with an OPC aero package and some sporty accessories inside. It’s powered by a 150PS (148hp / 110kW) and 220Nm (162lb-ft) turbocharged 1.4-liter four and can be had as a 3-door from €18,740 ($22,281) or a 5-door from €19,440 ($23,113).

Customers can also opt for the newly introduced GSi versions. The Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, offered in this flavor, have two different powertrains available.

The first one is a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol, with 260PS (256hp / 191kW) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque, and the second a twin-turbo 2.0-liter diesel rated at 210PS (207hp / 154kW) and 480Nm (354lb-ft) of torque. Both GSi models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.